Patent GB-1292911-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to apparatus for delivering weighed quantities of particulate commodities
Inventor: BANKS CLAYTON HATTON
IPC: B65B1/34
Filed: 1970-03-23
Abstract: 1292911 Automatic feed weighers C H BANKS 19 April 1971 [23 March 1970] 13977/70 Heading G1W Apparatus for delivering weighed quantities of commodities (such as potatoes) to a conveyer 40 (for delivery to a bagging machine) comprises (1) a weigher 10 with a receptacle 15 which is supplied with potatoes by conveyers 3, 4 carrying separately potatoes from a loading point sorted by size into two ranges 1, 2 of weights the supplies being controlled by gates 6, 7 actuated through a sensor 30, associated with the weigher 10 and operable at predetermined preliminary and final weights to shut the gates 6, and 7 to terminate the supplies of potatoes in the higher and lower weight ranges respectively; (2) means for discharging at least some of the potatoes from the receptacle 15 after termination of the supplies; (3) a gate 42 actuated by the sensor 30 to direct the discharged potatoes, the apparatus being arranged so that when the delivery to the receptacle 15 is terminated either: (a) all the potatoes in the receptacle 15 are discharged and directed on to the delivery conveyer 40; or (b) at least some are discharged and directed on to a reject conveyer 41, according to whether the weight of potatoes in the receptacle 15 is respectively within or above a predetermined allowable tolerance over the predetermined final weight. Each conveyer 3, 4 has a transverse guide bar 5 to deflect potatoes towards openings 6, 7 in side walls 3a, 4a opened and closed by sliding doors 8, 9 under the control of pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies (T, P) to initiate and terminate the passage of potatoes. When the doors are open potatoes fall into the receptacle 15 supported by the weighing scale below. Potatoes that do not pass through the openings 6, 7 are carried onwards. A series of weighers 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d - may be provided below a series of openings each with a transverse guide 5 and all potatoes not deflected through an opening pass over the guides 5 to be discharged on to the conveyer 41 for return to the sorter S<SP>1</SP>. Each weighing scale 18 carries an element 100, Fig. 7, located between two laminar flow generators 101, 102 fed with low-pressure air picked up by respective receivers 103, 104 for use in the fluidic circuits of Figs. 5, 6 (not shown). As the weight in the receptacle 15 increases the element 100 rises and the stepped and cut-out portions thereof interrupt and allow resumption of air-flows operating the pneumatic assemblies (T, P, S) controlling the doors 8, 9 and gate 42 and other assemblies (Q, R) controlling tipping of the receptacle 15 for partial or complete discharge and simultaneous locking of the weigher 10. Passage of the potatoes into the receptacle can be accelerated by extending the doors towards the sorter S 1  transversely to form a scoop or the guides 5 may be modified. An alternative form of door which pivots Fig. 8 (not shown) may replace the sliding doors. The conveyer 40 delivers correct weights to a bagging machine. Where there are several weighers precautions are taken to avoid simultaneous tipping on to one conveyer 40. Two or more conveyers 40 may be provided each with a separate bagging machine or a conveyer 40 may be divided by a wall down its centre and a gate similar to gate 42 used to direct loads alternatively to the two sides thereof. (For Figures see next page)